In the late 1980s, Run-D.M.C. emerged as one of the most influential groups in the history of hip-hop, pioneering a new sound that combined hard-hitting beats, raw lyricism, and an unapologetic attitude. “It’s Like That,” released in 1983 as the lead single from their debut self-titled album Run-D.M.C., is a seminal track that not only introduced the group’s unique style but also helped define the genre’s shift from the playful rhymes of early rap to a more aggressive, urban sound. This article will explore the background, lyrical content, musical elements, and the lasting impact of “It’s Like That” on hip-hop culture.
Background and Context
Run-D.M.C. was formed in 1981 by Joseph “Run” Simmons, Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels, and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell. The group’s rise to fame coincided with a period of rapid growth and change within the hip-hop community. The early 1980s were marked by a diversification of sounds and themes, as rap music began to gain wider acceptance and visibility. While artists like Grandmaster Flash and The Sugarhill Gang laid the groundwork with their energetic performances and party anthems, Run-D.M.C. took a different approach—one that emphasized directness, authenticity, and a more streetwise sensibility.
The significance of “It’s Like That” lies in its role as a blueprint for hardcore hip-hop. The track was produced by Larry Smith, a key figure in shaping the sound of early rap music. Smith’s production techniques were instrumental in creating the gritty, straightforward style that Run-D.M.C. would become known for. The song’s minimalist beats, heavy use of drum machines, and raw vocal delivery were revolutionary at the time, marking a departure from the more polished production of earlier hip-hop records. “It’s Like That” captured the essence of the streets, reflecting the experiences of young people living in urban environments and addressing issues of poverty, violence, and survival.
The Lyrical Content
“It’s Like That” opens with a sample from “Street Beat” by Breakwater, creating a sense of urgency and immediacy. The song’s minimalist beat, built around a repetitive drum machine pattern, establishes a no-frills, in-your-face vibe that sets the stage for the lyrics. The lyrics themselves are delivered in Run and D.M.C.’s trademark style—rapid-fire, rhythmic, and deliberate. The chorus, “It’s like that and that’s the way it is,” is both a statement of defiance and a declaration of reality for those living in the inner city.
The verses of “It’s Like That” touch on a variety of themes, from the harsh realities of life in the ghetto to the desire for change and a better future. Run-D.M.C. use their rhymes to tell stories about struggle and survival, painting a picture of life in the projects: “Poverty is on my mind and it’s gettin’ kind of hectic,” Run begins, setting the tone for a track that is both raw and reflective. The lyrics are straightforward, lacking the elaborate wordplay that would become more common in later hip-hop. This simplicity allowed Run-D.M.C. to connect directly with their audience, using language that was easy to understand and relatable.
The song also features a sense of anger and frustration, which was a hallmark of the group’s approach to hip-hop. The line, “It’s like that, and it don’t stop,” is a response to the struggles faced by young people in urban environments—economic hardship, violence, and systemic inequality. By repeating this line throughout the song, Run-D.M.C. emphasized the relentlessness of these challenges and the need to confront them head-on. The lyrics are not just a reflection of the time; they are a call to action, urging listeners to take control of their own lives and refuse to be defined by their circumstances.
Run-D.M.C.’s ability to convey complex emotions with simple language was one of their greatest strengths. In “It’s Like That,” the group used their platform to speak directly to their audience, addressing the issues that mattered most to young people in the 1980s. The song’s lyrics were a departure from the braggadocio and party-centric rhymes that were common in hip-hop at the time. Instead, Run-D.M.C. used their music to tell a different kind of story, one that resonated with those living in poverty and struggling to make ends meet.
Musical Elements and Production
The production of “It’s Like That” was a pivotal moment in hip-hop history, marking a shift away from the more disco-infused beats that had dominated the genre earlier in the 1980s. Produced by Larry Smith, a frequent collaborator with Run-D.M.C., the song’s beat was minimalist yet powerful, relying heavily on drum machines and simple, repetitive loops. Smith’s use of the Roland TR-808 drum machine created a stark, industrial sound that set the stage for the rise of hardcore hip-hop. The beat was designed to be hard-hitting and no-nonsense, reflecting the serious themes of the song.
The song’s instrumental is built around a repeating drum pattern, with the TR-808 providing the main rhythm. This pattern is augmented by a sampled horn riff from “Street Beat” by Breakwater, which adds a sense of urgency and tension to the track. The use of this sample was a signature move for Larry Smith, who was known for his ability to create hooks and memorable beats from seemingly unlikely sources. The horn riff not only serves as a musical hook but also enhances the song’s overall mood, evoking the feeling of being trapped in an urban environment.
The production on “It’s Like That” is marked by its rawness and simplicity. There are few additional layers of sound—no background vocals, no complex arrangements—just a drum machine and a repetitive sample. This approach was a deliberate choice, reflecting Run-D.M.C.’s desire to keep the focus on their lyrics and the message they were conveying. The song’s beat is relentless, with a sense of urgency that mirrors the challenges faced by those living in poverty and struggling to survive.
The track’s minimalism was a departure from the more polished production of other hip-hop records of the time, such as The Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight” or Grandmaster Flash’s “The Message.” These songs often featured elaborate musical arrangements and complex samples, whereas “It’s Like That” was stripped down to its essentials. This approach made the song more accessible and easier to replicate, which was important for the early days of hip-hop when DIY culture was central to the scene. The song’s production was a statement in itself—Run-D.M.C. were telling their audience that hip-hop didn’t need to be flashy or expensive; it just needed to be real.
Impact on Hip-Hop Culture and Beyond
“It’s Like That” was a game-changer for hip-hop, marking a significant shift in the genre’s direction and helping to lay the foundation for what would become the “hardcore” style of rap. The song’s impact can be seen in several areas:
- Defining the Hardcore Hip-Hop Sound: “It’s Like That” was instrumental in defining the hardcore style of hip-hop, characterized by its raw, no-frills production and gritty, socially conscious lyrics. The song’s minimalist beat and straightforward delivery set a new standard for how rap could be used to address the realities of urban life. This approach influenced a generation of rappers who followed, including Public Enemy, N.W.A, and Ice-T, who used their music to tackle issues such as police brutality, poverty, and systemic racism. The hardcore sound became synonymous with hip-hop’s emergence as a powerful tool for social commentary.
- Influence on Future Artists: Run-D.M.C.’s “It’s Like That” helped to pave the way for other artists to explore the darker, more serious themes in their music. The song’s straightforward lyricism and emphasis on real-life struggles influenced not just rap but also other genres of music, including rock and punk, where themes of discontent and social criticism were becoming more prominent. The track’s raw production was a precursor to the lo-fi beats and stripped-down sounds that would become popular in the 1990s, further establishing Run-D.M.C. as innovators in the genre.
- Cultural Impact: The impact of “It’s Like That” extended beyond music. The song’s lyrics and themes resonated with a wide audience, making it a touchstone for discussions about urban poverty, violence, and the need for social change. The group’s ability to address these issues in a way that was both accessible and profound helped to legitimize rap as a medium for social commentary. The song’s success on the charts, reaching number 15 on the Billboard R&B charts, was a sign of hip-hop’s growing popularity and influence in mainstream music.
- Legacy in Hip-Hop: “It’s Like That” is often cited as a turning point for Run-D.M.C. and for hip-hop as a whole. The song’s success helped to solidify Run-D.M.C.’s place in the pantheon of hip-hop legends. It was a reminder that the genre was capable of addressing serious topics while still maintaining its roots in the street. The song’s legacy can be seen in its continued influence on contemporary rap, where artists like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Logic often explore similar themes of struggle, identity, and survival. “It’s Like That” showed that hip-hop was not just about dancing and party anthems—it was also a powerful tool for social change.
Conclusion
“It’s Like That” by Run-D.M.C. was more than just a song—it was a cultural moment that helped to define the future of hip-hop. The track’s minimalist production, hard-hitting beats, and socially conscious lyrics marked a departure from the more carefree, dance-oriented rap that had dominated the early 1980s. Run-D.M.C.’s ability to use their music to address real-world issues made “It’s Like That” a powerful statement about the challenges facing young people in urban environments.
The song’s legacy is seen in its influence on the hardcore style of hip-hop, its impact on other genres, and its role in legitimizing rap as a medium for social commentary. “It’s Like That” was a reminder that hip-hop was not just a passing fad—it was a movement with the power to effect change and inspire generations of artists to come. Run-D.M.C.’s contribution to the genre will always be remembered for their ability to blend style with substance, creating a sound that was both timeless and relevant. As long as hip-hop continues to evolve, the impact of “It’s Like That” will be felt, serving as a testament to the enduring power of Run-D.M.C. in the world of music and culture.
